We've all heard the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words," and when it comes to telling the stories of farmers, Katie Knapp is in the business of doing just that. Knapp is an accomplished ag photographer and communications consultant based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Growing up on a farm north of Peoria, Illinois, Knapp was a typical farm kid participating in 4-H and FFA, where she won a state competition in ag business. Her collegiate path took her to ag communications, followed by a highly specialized field of Visual Sociology. In fact, one of the only master's degree programs for this area of study is based in London, England.

While in London, Knapp studied how consumers visualize their food choices. What are the semantics that are permeating food? What is the image that comes to mind when consumers see or hear the words organic, grass-fed, and non-GMO? As an ag photographer, Knapp says, "My mission is to put images into a realm where consumers can see what farming really is. Who is the farmer today and how is that food being produced? What does 'sustainability' look like?"

After graduating with her master's degree in visual sociology, Knapp moved back to the States and took a leap of faith to start her own business. Her previous experience working in the advertising business prepared her for communications consulting and professional photography. Her clients range from associations and companies to small farm operations.

"There is a huge segment of the market out there that is really interested in this dialogue between farms and tables," said Knapp.

Along the way, Knapp gained valuable insight from mentors, and with each step she kept narrowing her focus while gaining knowledge of what she wanted her company to be. "It's important to measure success on your own terms and to not compare yourself to others too much," said Knapp. "It's also good to surround yourself with supportive people and mentors who can help you test out theories and business plans."

Learning to challenge the status quo and always ask "what if" are some of the lessons she has learned along the way to becoming a successful ag entrepreneur.

Agrible® was one of the first companies to receive an Ag Data Transparent seal from the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator, a collective effort by American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, and other farm industry groups. The seal confirms that Agrible's ag data contract is both transparent and simple, and that growers can be confident that Agrible is trustworthy and upfront about data ownership and usage.

Agrible® is a member of Field to Market®: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. Field to Market® unites the agricultural supply chain in defining, measuring, and advancing the sustainability of food, fiber, and fuel production in the United States. Together we provide an unparalleled platform that helps benchmark sustainability performance and enable supply chain sustainability claims by continuously improving the field and landscape levels.

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) named Morning Farm Report® a winner of a 2016 AE50 Award for Outstanding Innovations in Product or Systems Technology. AE50 awards honor the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products or systems that help farmers, food processors and equipment manufacturers cut costs, enhance quality and increase profits.

Agrible® is a proud supporter of Know Before You Fly, an education campaign created by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Unmanned Aircraft Systems and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The Know Before you Fly campaign educates prospective users of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), like drones, about safe and responsible operations, including who can currently fly, where they can fly, and for what purposes.

Founded in 1989 the Independent Professional Seed Association represents the unique need of independent seed companies and producers. The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate. Today, IPSA membership totals nearly 100 seed companies from more than 25 state, Canada and Mexico as well as over 100 associate and affiliate members. IPSA is committed to independent seed companies and to their success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Agrible® is an approved partner of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. 4R Nutrient Stewardship helps growers achieve their goals, such as increased production and profitability, and improved environmental protection and sustainability. Agrible’s Nutrient Engine tool within Morning Farm Report® aligns with the 4R principles of managing nutrients. It helps growers decide the right rate, time, placement, and product to apply to their fields.

Agrible® is an approved partner of The Sustainability Consortium (TSC). TSC members are leaders and have found pathways to address environmental, social, and economic imperatives in product supply chains. Their members bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to improve sustainability in all parts of the industry. Members, staff, and supporters make up all of TSC and together they are working toward sustainable products for a sustainable planet.

Agrible® is an approved partner of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA). As the political voice of agricultural retailers and distributors, ARA advocates, educates, and champions the American agricultural retailer. ARA’s efforts on behalf of retailers save you real money by keeping the costs of doing business under control. ARA members represent the majority of agribusinesses in the United States.